SpatialEMU vs RetroOne
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SpatialEMU
This app allows you to play your personal retro game collection on iPhone and iPad. It supports a wide range of classic systems and offers flexible control options, including virtual buttons and physical controllers. You can load games locally or connect to a self-hosted server for library management.
- Play retro games on iOS devices
- Supports NES, SNES, PlayStation, PSP, and more
- Load local game files or use a self-hosted server
- Virtual and physical controller support
- Customizable controller mapping
- Local save states and progress syncing
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SpatialEMU brings your own retro game library to iPhone and iPad. Organize a personal local collection, choose how each game is presented, and play with touch controls or supported physical game controllers. SUPPORTED SYSTEMS Play user-provided games for NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Mega Drive / Genesis, SEGA 32X, Master System, Game Gear, SG-1000, PlayStation, PSP, DOS, Neo Geo, CPS arcade systems, SEGA Model 2, SEGA Model 3, and supported MAME arcade hardware. Compatibility varies by title, file format, and required system files. LOAD LOCAL FILES OR USE YOUR OWN SERVER No server is required: open local games directly with the system document picker. FolioSpace Library is an optional, self-hosted personal library and is not part of the SpatialEMU client. It can run on a NAS or on a Docker-capable Mac, PC, or Linux host. Connect to your own server to browse, search, filter, and selectively download your catalog, save multiple server profiles, and synchronize supported battery saves and play records. PLAY YOUR WAY Use the app's virtual controls or supported Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and other game controllers. Universal controller mapping supports global, per-system, and per-game profiles, button reassignment, axis inversion, dead zones, and sensitivity. SpatialEMU also provides Nintendo DS touch input, DOS keyboard and mouse controls, and specialized controls for supported arcade and mahjong titles. LOCAL-NETWORK CABINET LINK Supported SEGA Model 3 titles can create native cabinet-link sessions across multiple devices. Every device runs the same user-provided game locally while the LAN carries only cabinet-link data. Some larger room layouts remain clearly labeled experimental. LOCAL PROGRESS Keep local battery saves and save states for supported systems. Store separate progress for each game and synchronize supported save records through your own FolioSpace Library. IMPORTANT SpatialEMU does not include games, ROMs, BIOS files, firmware, encryption keys, copyrighted game content, or downloads for such content. You must provide files you have the right to use. Compatibility does not imply affiliation with the relevant hardware or game publishers. FolioSpace connection guide: https://spatialemu.com/guides/foliospace-connection/ Open-source notices and corresponding source: https://github.com/funland/SpatialEMU-Source Apple Standard EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ FREE FEATURES AND OPTIONAL PURCHASES Supported NES, SNES, Mega Drive / Genesis, GB, GBC, GBA, and all supported FBNeo systems (including CPS1, CPS2, CPS3 and Neo Geo) do not require Prime. Prime unlocks additional supported systems through a monthly subscription, annual subscription, or one-time lifetime purchase. Compatibility varies by game and platform. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled. Eligible earlier purchasers retain permanent Prime access after purchase-history verification. Purchasing lifetime Prime does not automatically cancel an existing subscription. Prices and purchase options appear in the app.
RetroOne
This app allows you to play your legally owned retro game collection on your iPhone and iPad. It supports multiple classic gaming systems and offers features like a beautiful library, customizable themes, and multiplayer options.
- Supports 8 classic gaming systems
- Import and organize game collection
- Customizable themes
- Portrait and landscape orientation
- Play on big screen
- Multiplayer with 'Use as Controller'
- Save and continue progress
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Rediscover the golden age of gaming with RetroOne — a beautifully designed multi-system emulator built for smooth, flexible play on iPhone and iPad. 8 CLASSIC GAMING SYSTEMS Enjoy support for eight popular retro systems: • ARCADE • GBA • GB • GBC • NES • SNES • GEN • NEOGEO From classic handheld adventures to the unforgettable arcade games of the past, RetroOne brings your legally owned game collection together in one convenient place. RELIVE THE ARCADE ERA Experience the atmosphere of classic arcade machines wherever you go. Enjoy responsive controls, smooth gameplay, colorful pixel graphics, and an interface inspired by the golden age of gaming. YOUR GAMES, ONE EASY IMPORT Import supported game files directly from your device. RetroOne automatically detects compatible systems and organizes your collection, making it easy to browse, search, sort, and favorite your games. A BEAUTIFUL LIBRARY Keep your entire collection organized with: • Recently played games • Favorites • Search and sorting • Automatic system detection • Quick access to saved games • Easy game management MULTIPLE THEMES Make RetroOne feel truly yours. Choose from multiple visual styles, including: • Classic • Midnight • Retro Handheld • Neon • Chrome Each theme offers a distinctive look while keeping the controls clear, responsive, and comfortable. PORTRAIT OR LANDSCAPE Play from the angle that works best for you. RetroOne supports both portrait and landscape orientations, allowing every game and controller layout to adapt naturally to your preferred way of playing. PLAY ON THE BIG SCREEN Share gameplay with a compatible TV and enjoy your favorite classics on a larger display. Turn your phone or tablet into a convenient game controller while the action stays on the big screen. PLAY WITH FRIENDS Use the “Use as Controller” feature to connect additional devices and play together with friends. Connect through the same Wi-Fi network, use each device as a controller, and enjoy a shared gaming experience. SAVE AND CONTINUE EASILY Save your progress and continue whenever you want. RetroOne makes it easy to return to recently played games without starting over. SMOOTH AND RESPONSIVE RetroOne is designed to deliver stable performance, responsive touch controls, and smooth gameplay across supported systems. Compatible external game controllers can also be used for a more traditional gaming experience. PLAY ANYTIME, ANYWHERE Whether you have a few free minutes or want a longer gaming session, RetroOne keeps your classic game library ready on iPhone and iPad — at home, while traveling, or together with friends. IMPORTANT INFORMATION RetroOne does not include games, ROMs, BIOS files, or copyrighted game content. Users must import game files created from titles they legally own. RetroOne is independently developed and is not affiliated with, sponsored, authorized, or endorsed by any console manufacturer or game publisher. All trademarks and copyrighted materials belong to their respective owners. SUBSCRIPTION AND LEGAL RetroOne Plus is available as a monthly or yearly auto-renewable subscription, or as a one-time purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel your subscription in Settings > Apple Account > Subscriptions. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://mmtstudio.site/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SpatialEMU at none against RetroOne's 3. SpatialEMU also leads on ads (none vs shown) and device support (6 vs 3). RetroOne's advantage is iOS requirement (15.5 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. RetroOne sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. SpatialEMU asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for SpatialEMU against 5.0 for RetroOne. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.
SpatialEMU ships an update every 11 days, RetroOne every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SpatialEMU | RetroOne |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 15.5 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 388 MB | 103 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 晓东 傅 | Nguyen Dinh Gioi |
Customer experience
SpatialEMU
RetroOne
In-app purchases
SpatialEMU
No in-app purchases
RetroOne
- RetroOne Plus Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
- RetroOne Plus Yearly$44.991 Year
- RetroOne Plus Lifetime$79.99







